The Chicago White Sox kick off 2026 spring training against the Cubs on Feb. 20, featuring Munetaka Murakami’s debut and Jonathan Cannon on the mound. Get the latest on roster battles and Cactus League action.

The Chicago White Sox begin their 2026 Spring Training schedule on Friday with a crosstown matchup against the Chicago Cubs. Good news for Sox fans, the Pale Hose lineup will feature the highly anticipated debut of Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami. Right-hander Jonathan Cannon will take the mound to open Cactus League play.

First pitch is set for 2:05 p.m. CST at Sloan Park, the Cubs’ Spring Training home. The game marks the Cactus League opener for both clubs, offering an early glimpse into roster battles and offseason adjustments as the White Sox aim to climb out of rebuild mode following a 60-102 record in 2025.

A Highly Anticipated Debut

Murakami, the 26-year-old signed to a two-year, $34 million contract in December, is slated to make his White Sox debut and headline the lineup. Known for setting the Nippon Professional Baseball single-season home run record for a Japanese-born player (56 in 2022), Murakami brings power and versatility to a lineup in need of offensive punch. He has drawn praise in Glendale for his early camp adjustments, including defensive work at first and third base, and is expected to see a good amount of Cactus League action as the Sox evaluate his fit against big-league pitching.

Cannon Gets the Start

On the mound, Cannon gets the nod for Chicago’s first exhibition start. The 25-year-old righty, who went 4-10 with a 5.82 ERA in 22 appearances (17 starts) last season, enters camp amid a crowded rotation fight.

White Sox manager Will Venable has named Cannon as part of the initial spring starters, alongside Chris Murphy (Feb. 21 vs. Athletics) and Sean Burke (Feb. 22 vs. Brewers). Cannon, who showed promise as a rookie in 2024 (5-10, 4.49 ERA), will look to prove himself as a starter after a tough 2025 campaign. He’ll have the first chance to set the tone on Friday.

Story continues below.

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As we enter Spring Training, one important note: the new automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system, which debuts in MLB this season, is now here. We should get a decent taste for how teams will be using it for the first time over the next few weeks.

Fans can catch the action on Marquee Sports Network (Cubs broadcast) or follow live updates via MLB.com. While spring results hold limited weight, the game provides a spotlight for key storylines, including Murakami’s transition and Cannon’s rebound bid, as both Chicago teams gear up for Opening Day.